Polisher recommendations
 

I'm wanting to restore the shine in my old ride and thought I would put rubbing compound on it and polish it. Can someone recommend a good polisher? I went to 2 auto parts stores today to see what they have and there wasn't much to choose from. I thought I would use McGuire's Ultimate Compound. Is there something I need to spray on the truck before I use this and what about after I'm through? Wax? Thanks for any help.
Joe

Re: Polisher recommendations
 

Did you look at HF?

Link:https://www.harborfreight.com/7-in-1...psugg_q=buffer

Link:https://www.harborfreight.com/mirror...-oz-62223.html









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Re: Polisher recommendations
 

I was gonna say hf might be worth a looksee as well...
I had a b&d I got from wallymart until I upgraded to a dewalt with all kinda rpm setting....
the b&d worked fine for waxing

Re: Polisher recommendations
 

Have you buffed a vehicle with a rotary buffer before? If not I would practice on some some old fenders and doors. Very easy to burn paint with the wrong technique and wrong products. When I do a car of unknown prior paint treatments I try the least aggressive and work up in aggressiveness. Rotary buffers are very unforgiving .

It's a lot more complicated today buffing there are multitudes of products and pads from very aggressive to super soft. So a combination of pad and product can make a mess or come out perfect.

That being said I use a Makita 9227 rotary and Flex 3401 orbital .
Sometimes it’s better to lightly sand with 1500 or finer paper then buff . I stripped the repaint and sealer then buffed the original paint with a rotary wool pad and ultra cut then hit with a polish pad and swirl remover . Finished with the orbital with a wax pad and Griots Complete polish and then wax .

Re: Polisher recommendations
 

Very good point to add.

HF also has a random orbit.

I promise I am not a salesperson for them:lol:

Link:https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-...her-61898.html






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Re: Polisher recommendations
 

I guess I should wash it first, but I was watching on UTube there are some who will spray it down with another cleaner before polishing it. Won't washing be enough? After the rubbing compound is polished in, should I wax it?
I'll check out HF. Thanks!

Re: Polisher recommendations
 

Here a link I found below.

The spray with cleaner is optional.
But;)
Any grit that is on there will be ground in.
So get it as clean as you can.
Then buff (careful on corners ,curves on raised parts). as allready suggested
And then the wax coats and protects your hard work you have done.


Link:https://thenewswheel.com/6-easy-step...xing-your-car/









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Re: Polisher recommendations
 

Post a pic of what you're working with. Do you know if its Single Stage paint or a Base Coat - Clear coat type paint? How old is the paint on the vehicle now? Do you know how much paint is on it? How many coats?

What color is it? Is it metallic paint?

Not trying to be a smart ass, I am genuinely trying to help you out but it all matters as to what you should use on it. If its Single stage paint (just a color paint that shines when it dries) or a 2 stage (spray a base color, then clear over the top) if its metallic (glistens in the sun) and its several years old, clear coat is faded, etc it will be very easy to burn through to the base coat as you're buffing.

As others have mentioned rotary buffers can be helpful but they will also ruin a paint job quickly if you dont know what you're doing. Be very careful along the edges, body lines, where one panel meets another, etc. As the rotary buffer spins you want to work off the leading edge, dont sit the buffer flat on the panel or it will "catch" the edge as it spins. Hard to explain,.. Imagine a circle spinning over the seam where the hood meets the fender. As the circle (direction) comes OFF the edge, theres minimal chance of it catching.. but as it spins back ON that same edge / seam it will bite into the edge.

Post up some pics and I'll make some suggestions. Is it just faded or is it orange peel you're trying to get out? Imagine the skin of an orange.. when a the last time you've seen a shiney orange? It's because the surface isnt flat. Same for your paint. Its has to be flat first, before it will shine.

Happy to help.
Later..

Re: Polisher recommendations
 

I bought a 18V Milwaukee and like it but it will go through a 5 amp hour battery rather quickly with a wool pad on it.. I own a ton of Milwaukee 18V tools so i have plenty of batteries so it is not that big of a deal for me. Not having a cord to have over your shoulder is a big advantage in my opinion.

And i agree to all the above about proper technique when polishing. Ask me how i know!

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Produc...ishers/2738-20